GATLINBURG — When you walk into Ole Red Gatlinburg, you’ll see the personality of country music star Blake Shelton and the spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains combined.

That’s been the goal from the beginning, according to Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO Colin Reed. Ryman Hospitality Properties owns and operates the Ole Red locations, which are inspired byShelton's personality and his song “Ol' Red.”

"That's the way Blake is. He's an irreverent character ..." said Reed. "But on the other hand, we want to interpret that into the environment that we're in. In this case, the Smoky Mountains."

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Country singer Blake Shelton laughs during an announcement ceremony for Ole Red Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. Shelton has partnered with Ryman Hospitality to bring Ole Red to Gatlinburg. The 13,500-square-foot entertainment venue with a two-story bar, restaurant and performance space with space for 325 patrons is slated to open spring 2019.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

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The exterior sign at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A view of country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant from the upstairs seating area. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The upstairs seating area at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Art tying together the Smoky Mountains and Ole Red hangs on the wall at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Guitars hang on the wall beside the upstairs bar at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Bartender Lucky Dague mixes a Tishomingo Sunset cocktail at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Visitors are greeted by a mosaic of the Ole Red logo upon entry at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Two signature cocktails, the Tishomingo Sunset, left, and the Cherry Limeade, right, at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Waitresses peek at the stage at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The "Big-Ass Country Burrito" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The "Redneck Nachos" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The "Southern Tater Tot Poutine" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The "Turtle Funnel Cake" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The upstairs seating area at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The mens bathroom at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A selection of beers on tap at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The outdoor balcony at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Guests dine in the upstairs balcony at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The main seating area features a good view of the stage as well as an old Farmall tractor hanging from the ceiling at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Blake Shelton's handprints in cement on the stage at his Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Hats for sale in the gift shop at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A neon sign at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The upstairs seating area at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Stuffed toys and shirts for sale in the gift shop at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Guitars hang on the wall at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A photo of a dog hangs on the wall at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The exterior of country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Reed said the company brought in exterior and interior design teams, who brainstormed for two to three months, to achieve that combination in the bar, restaurant and music venue.

The building features colors and decorations illustrating the “Ol' Red” song with wooden and red metal accents, guitars and dog-themed photos. It also has callbacks to the mountains with a painted mural featuring black bears at the stairwell and painted forests and a starry ceiling in the bathrooms.

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Art tying together the Smoky Mountains and Ole Red hangs on the wall at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

Ole Red Gatlinburg, 511 Parkway, will have its soft opening Monday and its week-long grand opening “Spring Blake” celebration from March 11-17. It will include a concert from Shelton, additional performances and giveaways.

$9 million in renovations for Ole Red Gatlinburg

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The exterior of country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

The location formerly housed the Riverbend Mall, and construction began on it in April 2018.

Ryman Hospitality Properties spent $9 million to transform it into 13,500 square-foot Ole Red Gatlinburg, which includes a two-story building with a restaurant, dance floor, outdoor terrace, bars on both floors, a gift shop, multiple TVs and seating for 370 people. Its max occupancy is 888 people.

"So what we wanted to find was a building big enough after we converted it that we could fit four or five hundred people in it with great technology, great music and let people have a lot of fun,” said Reed.

“That's when we stumbled upon this building, and we liked the building because it's right on the crossroads. People come from the East and they come from the North."

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The outdoor balcony at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

Those renovations also included a $300,000 sound system for the venue. The building houses a 24 foot by 12-and-a-half-foot stage and a large LED screen that hangs above it.

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The main seating area features a good view of the stage as well as an old Farmall tractor hanging from the ceiling at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

All this equipment is to accommodate performing musicians including former acts from “The Voice” that Shelton coached, and Shelton himself, who visits Ole Red locations to play and surprise guests from time to time.

"But what we want to make sure of is that when he (Shelton) steps on that stage, that stage is accommodating for him, and the sound systems,” said Reed.

How much is Blake Shelton involved with Ole Red Gatlinburg?

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Guitars hang on the wall beside the upstairs bar at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

In addition to visiting Ole Red locations, Shelton is deeply involved in their details, according to Reed.

"It's all the time. He's thinking about it. This morning when I walked in here ... I sent him about three photographs of the place, and I said ‘I'm here, the first time I've been here in two to three months. It looks great,’” said Reed.

“And he's texting me back right away ... he's deeply engaged in this stuff, and I know he will be for as long as he draws breath 'cause he really cares about it."

Reed and Shelton have been friends for 12 to 13 years, and three years ago, they decided to use Shelton’s brand and turn it into the Ole Red bar, restaurant and music venue chain.

Ole Red Gatlinburg’s food offerings

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The "Big-Ass Country Burrito" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

Some of Ole Red Gatlinburg’s dishes will be exclusive to its location including the Ober Gatlin-burger with a pork burger and moonshine mushrooms and the Ruby Falls Reuben with corn beef, red sauerkraut and special sauce.

It will also have dishes that can be found at all Ole Red locations. Here are a few of those items.

The "Southern Tater Tot Poutine" dish at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

Adding the final touches to Ole Red Gatlinburg

On Wednesday, several Ole Red Gatlinburg employees scurried around the building and prepared for its opening.

Ole Red Gatlinburg General Manager Emily Longmire said the business has 200 employees, and they’ve been training for weeks.

Waitresses peek at the stage at country music singer Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The $9 million venue, which features food, drink and live musical performances on a fully-outfitted stage, will have a soft opening March 4.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

"We've been through a couple weeks of training. We've done mocks,” said Longmire. “We've practiced everything from what the sound is like in the building. We've sat in every chair to make sure every guest that comes in gets to see and experience. We've trained our staff on all of our menu items, our signature cocktails, music, so it's been a whirlwind three weeks but so worth it."

Reed is also still doing walk-throughs and finding details to improve and change.

"This is the way brands become. You conceptualize the brand. You understand what you want to do. You get the visual and emotional connection to the consumer, and then you keep tweaking it and making it better and better. That's the way it works,” he said.